Hoka Speedgoat 6 review: These comfortable walking shoes gave me my confidence back on the trails

Although hiking is my number one passion, over the past year I have been incorporating running into some of my walks, so I was very pleased to see the release of the Hoka Speedgoat 6.

Earlier this year, I decided to get out of my comfort zone and run my first race in years - a 10k. Following a hiatus over the summer months, I am gearing up to do the distance again this December. The programme I am following combines running and walking, so I was super keen to try the Hoka Speedgoat 6, a new launch from a brand synonymous with quality footwear - especially road and trail running.

Technically, the new Hoka Speedgoat 6 is a trail running shoe, but it makes our list of the best walking shoes for good reason. It's the ideal hybrid shoe for those, like myself, who do a little of both activities and don't want to also splash out on a pair of the best running shoes.

Hoka Speedgoat 6 review

Specifications

• Size range: UK 3.5 to 10.5
• RRP: £140
• Weight per shoe: 116g
• Materials: Woven textile upper, CMEVA midsole, Vibram Megagrip with Traction Lug
• Waterproof? No

Overview of the Hoka Speedgoat 6

The Hoka Speedgoat 6 is not a shoe for those who like understated footwear - but if you're like me and love a pop of colour, especially during the duller months, this is an excellent choice. As you'd expect from a running shoe, these are lightweight and resemble a trainer in design more than a walking shoe.

I tried a size 7, which is comfortable, and left room for my toes to spread. Described as ‘a workhorse for technical terrain’, this new adaptation includes a breathable woven textile upper, foot-hugging internal chassis, a dual gusset tongue and a revised lug orientation inspired by, of all things, the hooves of a goat (hence the name).

In action, these trail shoes transpire to be a super cushy fit with 5mm lugs that create impressive traction - very welcome on uneven woodland terrain. The toe bumper protected my feet from jutting roots and stones, and there was flexibility to the shoe which helped create a smoother stride. These shoes also feel nicely cushioned, so if you are planning on training for a marathon any time soon, this would make those long training runs a lot more comfortable underfoot. For those aiming to run 10km for the first time - or less - they are still a great choice.

However, these shoes have a light waterproof edge on the toe to protect against puddles - they are not waterproof. Given all the other excellent features of these shoes, this was surprising to me. You can buy a GORE-TEX version of the shoes though, which I'd recommend if you're going out in wet conditions.

What is the Hoka Speedgoat 6 like to wear?

These would not be my go-to option if I were focusing solely on hiking and walking activities, I'll be honest for you. For that, I'd go for the Teva Trailwinder Low shoe or the Ariat Skyline Summit Low Waterproof Boot. But, if you like walking and also enjoy the occasional run - and you only want to buy one pair of shoes for both - these are the perfect choice as a hybrid between the two.

I wore these for a couple of laps around my local park - about 2 miles on a loose gravel path. I also walked a similar distance around a reservoir, which included tarmac and uneven woodland and grass. I have slipped over when running across the muddy trails in this area, making me a little tentative, but these gave me my confidence back and I felt happy to pick up the pace. The woven textile upper allows for movement and as you would expect from Hoka, these provide superb traction, whatever the terrain entails.

Hoka is brilliant at providing inclusive sizing and the Hoka Speedgoat 6 is available in sizes 3.5 to 10.5, including half sizes across the board - as well as regular and wide widths, which is pleasing to see with the Hoka Speedgoat 6 as they did feel quite narrow.

There are five bright and bold colour options for the Speedgoat 6, including the intriguingly-named gull and stormy skies, varsity navy and meteor, black and aloe vera, satellite grey and stardust - plus the ones I trialled, sherbet and beetroot, which are a vivid orange, yellow and purple. As I say, this isn't a shoe for those who prefer to keep a neutral colour palette.

How does the Hoka Speedgoat 6 compare?

As a new and improved take on the Hoka Speedgoat 5, the Hoka Speedgoat 6 is lighter than its predecessors. These shoes also include an updated midsole foam that provides a more responsive movement with less weight. The upper has been adapted with a dynamic vamp that allows for a better fit in the forefoot, and there's an internal chassis for steady lockdown when you land, as well as an adjusted outsole lug design for better traction.

You have to applaud Hoka’s continued choice of design and inclusive sizing, which is superior to many other brands, in my opinion. The Hoka Speedgoat 6 has been created with versatility and trail running in mind, but if you are likely to be tackling road, as well as trail terrain, you might want to look at the Hoka Challenger 7, which is in a similar price bracket. Or, if running is not part of the plan, you should opt for a more traditional walking shoe, such as the picks from Ariat, Teva, or the Merrell Moab Speed 2 GORE-TEX walking shoes, which are waterproof.

Should I buy the Hoka Speedgoat 6?

I recommend the Hoka Speedgoat 6 if you are looking for shoes that provide breathability and flexibility of movement, along with the right support and grip required for the trails. These are by far the boldest-looking shoes I tried in recent years, and while they might be a bit ‘much’ for some people, I loved the vivid design. I’d go so far as to say it can even perk you up if you are struggling on the trail, as I often am.

I have written in the past about the impact what you wear hiking can have on your performance, especially as a beginner lacking self-confidence in an activity - whether that is running, hiking or cycling. The right footwear provides that boost, in yourself and your capabilities, and then there is the technical aspect of shoes, which impacts you physically. The Hoka Speedgoat 6 is light as a feather, even lighter than its predecessor, and provides a stable landing on different types of terrain, including woodland, tarmac and grass. As someone who has slipped over in the past, and found themselves sprawled in the mud, it feels good to wear a shoe you feel confident in when running and walking.